The survey on international travel behaviour in times of Corona conducted by ITB Berlin, IPK International revealed that Germans were very satisfied with their outbound travel experiences in times of Corona. In the summer months, Germans traveled abroad more than the average. Thereby the experiences gained were significantly better than expected. Also, both travel destinations and touristic offers improved their safety image in the last four months.
Around one-third of German outbound travelers went on a trip abroad during the summer months June to August despite Corona. This puts Germans well above the European average with 22 percent as well as the global average with 19 percent. Around 60 percent of Germans traveled to a neighboring country – thus, with 63 percent the car was by far the most popular mode of transport, followed by air with 25 percent and rail with 12 percent.
Positive travel experiences despite COVID-19were not only made by Germans but also by European outbound travelers in general. However, travel satisfaction was somewhat lower among Asians and Americans.
The pandemic has also led to certain changes in travel behavior among German outbound travelers, whether in terms of choice of transportation, accommodation, or type of holiday. Interestingly, however, for the great majority “traveling cheaper in Corona times” is not an option. Thus, the pandemic has no negative impact on travel budgets, at least so far.
The intention of Germans to travel abroad in the next 12 months has again increased and In addition to Germans, Swiss, Dutch, and Austrians are also showing above-average interest in traveling abroad in the next 12 months.
According to the survey interest in destinations outside Europe is still well below average and has barely recovered in recent months. One reason for this is the respective restrictions such as entry and exit regulations for countries.
The majority of the destinations were able to achieve better values in terms of their safety image and the Corona risk in relation to the offer such as transport, accommodation, types of holiday, or activities is also rated slightly better than four months ago. The improved safety image combined with positive travel experiences in recent months is also leading to an increased intention to travel in the upcoming months.
A positive trend can also be seen for Germans with regard to air travel In general, the fear of flying under Corona conditions is lower among Europeans than among Americans and especially among Asians
High-security standards resulting in an increase in personal safety are still of central importance for travelers. According to the latest survey results, measures to reduce the risk of infection have not lost any of their importance compared to four months ago. Besides maintaining minimum distances, wearing mouth and nose protection, and complying with general hygiene regulations, Germans also value mandatory COVID-19 tests upon returning from a risk area.
The general willingness to travel abroad in the next 12 months is particularly high among Europeans and especially among Germans. High safety standards concerning the offer and a positive safety image regarding the destinations influence the travel decision. The rising interest to travel abroad, however, is still faced with travel restrictions.
With the availability of a vaccine, a successively lifting of the restrictions is to be expected. According to the latest survey results, travel would then start to increase rapidly and on a widespread base.
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